A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Panama City vs. Salt Lake City for Families, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Panama City or Salt Lake City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Panama City

Panama City is a cosmopolitan, fun-filled, and active beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a architectural, notable, and religious city. And you can't forget about the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Panama City and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Both Salt Lake City and Panama City have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Panama City is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Salt Lake City is known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. Panama City is more touristy than Salt Lake City and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Salt Lake City is popular for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population.

How is Panama City different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City and Panama City. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salt Lake City can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Panama City or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Panama City and Salt Lake City can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Panama City. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Salt Lake City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Salt Lake City is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Panama City has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

Salt Lake City is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Music?

Panama City is very good for its music scene. However, Salt Lake City is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Panama City. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Salt Lake City is not a live music destination.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Panama City is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Panama City has a few great resort options. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Salt Lake City has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Panama City is a very popular place for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Panama City is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Salt Lake City has hiking trails worth exploring. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Panama City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Salt Lake City and Panama City.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Salt Lake City has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Panama City is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Panama City is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Panama City is a very popular place for couples. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Panama City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Salt Lake City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Students?

Panama City is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

Panama City is very popular with students. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Salt Lake City is not popular with students.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salt Lake City is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Salt Lake City, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

Public transit is mostly limited in Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

Is Panama City or Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City is a city with a few options for its high level of walkability. However, Panama City is a beach town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer to have a car.

Panama City is not a very walkable beach town. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

For even more information, also check out Is Panama City Worth Visiting? and Is Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Panama City?

How long in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Panama City and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Panama City than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Panama City, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

Families should spend more time in Panama City than Salt Lake City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Panama City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Panama City than Salt Lake City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Panama City that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City than Panama City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Salt Lake City.

One day in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

In Panama City, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the religious city of Salt Lake City. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Panama City is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the notable destination of Salt Lake City. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Panama City. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

The notable city of Salt Lake City offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Panama City or Salt Lake City?

In Panama City, you'll find food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Salt Lake City. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Panama City and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Panama City Expensive? and Is Salt Lake City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Panama City or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Panama City. When comparing the sizes of Panama City and Salt Lake City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.